As an internationally renowned expert on sustainable design and clean energy finance, Marlon Kobacker has traveled all over the world to offer his insight and expertise through speaking engagements and also while working in an advisory capacity on an endless array of sustainable building projects. Mr. Kobacker is the director of Sustainable Future Group, where he offers technical advice regarding the various strategies and funding options available for removing the capital cost barriers associated with improvements in sustainability performance.
Mr. Kobacker is also a principal with the sustainability design team for Clean Energy Corporation Australia (CECA), where he contributes to making a wide range of critical clean energy services available, including the design and delivery of solar photovoltaic systems and the creation and implementation of an Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) strategy specifically geared toward improving the sustainability performance of both new and existing assets. In addition to his roles with Sustainable Future Group and CECA, Mr. Kobacker is currently serving as a sustainability advisor for EarthRights International while working on an internal project.
As the very first graduate of the world’s first undergraduate program in photovoltaic engineering, Mr. Kobacker began his professional career with an eye on innovation. After earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of New South Wales — the latter of which being a Master of the Built Environment in Sustainable Design — Mr. Kobacker stayed on as a faculty member at UNSW while developing and teaching “Solar Architectural Technologies.”
Over the past decade, Mr. Kobacker has shared his vast expertise in the service of the clean energy and sustainable design industry by accepting countless invitations to lecture at conferences held all over the world. At these international conferences, Mr. Kobacker often speaks on the subjects of cost-efficient sustainable design and whole-of-life optimization, both of which were featured as topics in his recently published book, “Removing the Capital Cost Barrier to Sustainable Design.”
1. What is your favorite thing about traveling?
Since I travel so often for professional purposes, my favorite aspect of travel is the opportunity to exchange new ideas with my industry peers.
2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?
Traveling is most certainly a lifestyle. I have always been an avid traveler, but I began traveling much more extensively after I started speaking at conferences about clean energy finance and cost-efficient sustainable design.
3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?
Fiji, especially the Lau Archipelago.
4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?
Yes, I actually have several trips lined up for the future. The one I am most excited about is a trip to France later on this year.
5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?
I like to make a loosely outlined itinerary so I can make the most of the time I have in a particular location.
6. Where would you like to go?
Even though I live relatively close to it, I’ve never been to the fjords of Milford Sound.
7. Where would you like to revisit?
Lyon, France.
8. Do you travel alone? Why?
I almost always travel alone, but only because of the nature of my work.
9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?
Fiji; the Okavango Delta in Botswana; Chile
10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I travel with nothing more than the bare necessities, so traveling light is definitely my preference.
